Information input apparatus and method

ABSTRACT

An electronic camera is capable of recording image, voice, text, line-drawn information and the like. A release switch in the electronic camera is operated to photograph a subject image. When recording voice with the electronic camera, shutter sound effects are not output with the recorded voice. Further, the photographic operation can be indicated to the user by lighting a light-emitting diode in a finder when the release switch is operated.

This is a Continuation Application of Ser. No. 13/661,526 filed Oct. 26,2012, which is in turn a Continuation Application of application Ser.No. 12/929,632 filed on Feb. 4, 2011, which is in turn a Continuation ofapplication Ser. No. 12/585,690 filed Sep. 22, 2009, which is in turn aContinuation of application Ser. No. 11/327,320 filed Jan. 9, 2006,which in turn is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 08/859,276 filedMay 20, 1997, which claims the benefit of Japanese Patent ApplicationNo. 08-152221 filed Jun. 13, 1996. The disclosures of the priorapplications are hereby incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of Invention

The invention relates to an information input apparatus used in anelectronic camera and the like to convert subject images into digitaldata. The information input apparatus then records the digital data.

2. Description of Related Art

Instead of cameras that use film, electronic cameras can be used tophotograph the subject image using a CCD or the like, convert this intodigital data, and record it in an installed memory or in anattachable/detachable memory card, or the like. With the imagephotographed using these electronic cameras, there is no need to gothrough the developing and printing necessary in conventional filmcameras. In addition, immediate playback or display on a screen such asan LCD, are possible.

Further, to record the photographed image as digital data, theelectronic camera input apparatus have become compatible with personalcomputers. For example, to create an Internet home page, electroniccameras can be used to input such image data. Electronic camera inputapparatus that input not only images, but also voice and sound recording(capability) have been considered.

In an electronic camera that has image and sound recording (e.g., voice)capability, the release button can be operated during voice recording.This can cause the problem that the shutter sound effect output when therelease button is operated is recorded as well.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to solve at least theabove-identified problems. It is another object of the present inventionto prevent a sound effect such as a shutter sound effect from beingoutput during voice recording so that only necessary information isrecorded.

The information input apparatus of the invention includes an imagingdevice for imaging a prescribed subject image, a voice input deviceinputting a prescribed voice, a storage device for storing image data,voice data or the like, a pointing device indicating a start of aprescribed process, a sound effect output device that can output aprescribed sound effect, and a control device. The sound effect can be ashutter sound effect or the like. When the voice input device isrecording, the control device can control the sound effect output deviceso that sound effects are not output during operation of the pointingdevice.

Further, the information input apparatus includes an observation devicefor observing the subject and an information output device foroutputting visual information within the observation device. Thepointing device can be a release button that indicates a start of aphotographic process where the image imaged by the imaging device isstored in the storage device. The control device can control visualinformation output by the information output device within theobservation device to indicate when the pointing device is operated.

The information input apparatus can further include a photographicsetting device that determines a photographic environment. When thepointing device is operated, the sound effect output device then outputsa sound effect corresponding to the photographic environment set by thesetting device. As a result, the sound effect is altered based on thephotographic environment. Accordingly, the user can confirm thephotographic environment from the sound effect, which improves theoperations of the information input apparatus. The sound effect outputdevice can also output sound effects corresponding to an operation modeof the apparatus set by the photographic setting device when thepointing device is operated. As a result, the sound effect is alteredbased on the operation mode. Accordingly, the user can confirm theoperation mode from the sound effect, which improves operations of theinformation input apparatus.

The information input apparatus can further include a sound effectsilencing device and a voice playback device. The sound effect silencingdevice can silence all or part of a sound effect when a voice playedback by the voice playback device includes the sound effect. Thus, whenthe recorded voice is output, the sound effect previously included canbe silenced. Accordingly, the information input apparatus does notoutput unnecessary information.

The information input apparatus can include a deleting device thatdeletes all or part of a sound effect from the voice recording when thesound effect output by the sound effect output device is included withthe voice input by the voice input device. Thus, the deleting device canprevent recording the sound effect. Alternatively, the sound effectoutput device can output sound effects of a frequency outside an inputrange of the voice input device, outside a storage range of the storagedevice, or outside a playback range of the voice playback device.Accordingly, the information input apparatus does not record thepotentially unnecessary information of the sound effect.

Other objects, advantages and salient features of the invention willbecome apparent from the detailed description taken in conjunction withthe annexed drawings, which illustrate preferred embodiments of theinvention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will be described with reference to the following drawingsin which like reference numerals refer to like elements and wherein:

FIG. 1 shows a front perspective view of one embodiment of the presentinvention applied to an electronic camera;

FIG. 2 shows a rear perspective view of the electronic camera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 shows a portion of the electronic camera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 shows a block diagram of an electrical composition of theelectronic camera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 shows a display screen displayed on an LCD of the electroniccamera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 shows a flow chart for the operation of the present inventionapplied to the electronic camera of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 shows a finder that includes a light-emitting diode;

FIG. 8 shows a finder for a single lens reflex camera including alight-emitting diode;

FIG. 9 shows the finder of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 shows an LCD during operation of a release switch;

FIG. 11 shows an electronic camera using a pen and a menu key;

FIG. 12 shows a selection screen;

FIG. 13 shows a setting mode selection screen;

FIG. 14 shows a compression rate setting screen;

FIG. 15 shows a sound effect setting screen;

FIG. 16 shows a message displayed during selection;

FIG. 17 shows a message displayed during release sound recording;

FIG. 18 is a block diagram showing another electrical composition of theelectronic camera according to the present invention; and

FIG. 19 is a block diagram showing yet another electrical composition ofthe electronic camera according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

FIGS. 1 and 2 are perspective views of one embodiment of an electroniccamera 1 to which the present invention is applied. For convenience ofdescription, there are six surfaces composing the electronic camera 1. Asurface facing a subject when the electronic camera 1 is photographingthe subject is called surface X1. The surface facing the user is calledsurface X2 as shown in FIG. 2. At the upper end of the surface X1, afinder 2 confirms the photographic range of the subject, a photographiclens 3 takes in the light image of the subject and a light-emitting part(e.g., strobe) 4 emits light to illuminate the subject.

At the top end of the surface X2, which opposes the surface X1, thefinder 2 and a speaker 5 are provided. The speaker 5 outputs sound(e.g., voice or the like) corresponding to sound data recorded in amemory card or the like installed in the electronic camera 1. As shownin FIG. 2, an LCD 6 and an operating keys 7 are formed on the surface X2vertically below the finder 2, the photographic lens 3, thelight-emitting part 4, and the speaker 5. On the surface of the LCD 6 isa touch tablet 6A. A pen-type pointing device (hereafter “pen”) 6B orthe like can contact the touch tablet 6A to make selections or inputdata as shown in FIG. 11.

The touch tablet 6A is composed of translucent material such as glass orresin. The user can observe the image displayed on the LCD 6 inside ofthe touch tablet 6A through the touch tablet 6A.

The operating keys 7 includes a plurality of keys corresponding tovarious functions and is operated by the pen 6B. Recorded data such asimage data, voice data, or text data, recorded in the memory card can beplayed back by being displayed on the LCD 6. For example, a menu key 7Ais operated when a menu screen is displayed on the LCD 6. An execute key7B is operated when playing back the recorded data selected by the user.

Further, a clear key 7C is operated when deleting recorded data. Acancel key 7D is operated to interrupt the replay process of therecorded data. When a list of the recorded data is displayed on the LCD6, a scroll key 7E is operated to scroll in a vertical direction on thescreen.

On a top surface Z of the electronic camera 1 are a voice collectionmicrophone (mike) 8 and an earphone jack 9 for connection to earphones(not shown).

On a side surface Y1 are a release switch or release button 10 and apower source (ON/OFF) switch 11. The release switch 10 is operated tophotograph the subject. The release switch 10 and the power sourceswitch 11 are arranged vertically below the finder 2, the photographiclens 3 and the light-emitting part 4.

On a side surface Y2 are a recording switch 12 that is operated duringsound recording and a continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 thatis operated to change to continuous shooting mode during photography.The side surface Y2 is opposite the side surface Y1. The recordingswitch 12 and the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 arelocated vertically below the finder 2, the photographic lens 3, and thelight-emitting part 4. The recording switch 12 is approximately the sameheight as the release switch 10 on the surface Y1 so that in whicheverhand the user holds the electronic camera 1, there is no incongruity.

The heights of the release switch 10 and the recording switch 12 can bemade different, for example, if a switch on only one of the sides is topressed by a finger. If the switches are positioned differently on theopposite sides, it is possible to press one switch while at the sametime also holding the opposing side surface with an opposing finger.

When the user presses the release switch 10 and photographs the subject,the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 controls whether thesubject is photographed only in one frame or photographed continuouslyin a preset plurality of frames. For example, if the indicator of thecontinuous shooting mode changeover switch changes to the position “S”(the “S” mode) when the release switch 10 is pressed, photography isperformed only for one frame.

If the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 is at the position“L” (the “L” mode) when the release switch 10 is pressed, photography isperformed at a rate of 8 frames per second. That is, photography isperformed by a low speed continuous shooting mode. If the indicator ofthe continuous shooting mode changeover switch is at the position “H”(the “H” mode) when the release switch 10 is pressed, photography isperformed at a rate of 30 frames per second. That is, photography isperformed in the high speed continuous shooting mode.

Next, composition of a portion of the interior of the electronic camera1 is explained with respect to FIG. 3. A CCD 20 is behind (the surfaceX2 side) the photographic lens 3. The CCD 20 photoelectrically convertsand outputs electrical signals (image signals) corresponding to thelight image of the subject resolved via the photographic lens 3.

Vertically below the LCD 6, four cylindrical batteries (such as AA drycell batteries) 21 are arranged in a row. Electrical power accumulatedin the batteries 21 is supplied to various parts of the electroniccamera 1. Further, the charge necessary for emitting light by the lightemitting part 4 is accumulated in a condenser 22, which is aligned withthe batteries 21.

Various control circuits in a circuit board 23 control various parts ofthe electronic camera 1. Further, a removable memory card (storagemedium) 24 can be between the circuit board 23 and the LCD 6 (battery21). Various types of information input into the electronic camera 1 arerecorded in respective preset regions of the memory card 24.

Although in this embodiment the memory card 24 is removable, memory oralternative information storage mediums may also be provided in thecircuit board 23 to record various types of information. Further, theinformation recorded in the memory card 24 can be output to an externalpersonal computer for external storage or use via an interface (notshown).

Next, an electrical composition of the electronic camera 1 is explainedwith respect to FIG. 4. The CCD 20 is equipped with a plurality ofpixels. The CCD 20 photoelectrically converts the light image, which isresolved into respective pixels, into image signals (electric signals).A digital signal processor DSP 33 controls a CCD drive circuit (VDRV) 39to drive the CCD 20.

A correlation duplex sampling (CDS) circuit 31 samples the image signalsphotoelectrically converted by the CCD 20 in a prescribed timing. Anautomatic gain control circuit (AGC) 40 controls the gain of the signalsampled by the CDS 31. An analog/digital (A/D) conversion circuit 32digitizes the image signals sampled by the CDS circuit 31 and suppliesthem to the DSP 33.

The DSP 33 supplies the digitized image data to a buffer memory 37 whereit is stored. A compression and expansion memory control (CEMC) circuit38 reads out the image data stored in the buffer memory 37. After beingcompressed by the Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) method,(described below) the image data read by the CEMC circuit 38 is suppliedto the memory card 24 via a data bus 42, and recorded in a predeterminedimage recording region.

Image data header information such as the photograph date/timeinformation are recorded in the image recording region of the memorycard 24. That is, the photographic date/time data is added to the imagedata recorded in the image recording region of the memory card 24.

The mike 8 inputs sound such as voice, and supplies a correspondingvoice signal to a voice IC 36. The voice IC 36 converts the voicesignals into digitized voice data. After compression, the digitizedvoice data is supplied to the memory card 24 where it is recorded in apredetermined sound or voice (hereafter sound) recording region. At thistime, voice data header information such as the voice (sound) recordingdate/time data is recorded in the sound recording region of the memorycard 24.

A CPU 34 is preferably implemented on a special purpose computer, aprogrammed microprocessor or microcontroller and peripheral integratedcircuit elements, an ASIC or other integrated circuit elements, ahardwired electronic or logic circuit such as a discrete elementcircuit, a programmable logic device such as a PLD, PLA, FGPA or PAL, orthe like. In general, any device on which a finite state machine capableof implementing the flowchart shown in FIG. 3 can be used to implementthe CPU 34. The CPU 34 has an installed clock circuit (not shown). Thelight emitting part 4 is controlled by the CPU 34. The light emittingpart 4 emits light in a controlled timing to illuminate the subject.

When a prescribed portion of the touch tablet 6A is pressed by the pen6B operated by the user, the CPU 34 reads the X-Y coordinatescorresponding to the position of the touch tablet 6A. The CPU 34accumulates that coordinate data, which can be “line-drawn information”(described below). The CPU 34 supplies the line-drawn informationaccumulated in a memory (not shown) with header information such as thedate/time information of line-drawn information to the memory card 24.The line-drawn information and header is recorded into the line-drawninformation recording region.

The buffer memory 37 and the LCD 6 are connected to the CPU 34 via a CPUcontrol bus 41. The image corresponding to the image data stored in thebuffer memory 37 can be displayed on the LCD 6. However, the compressionprocessed image data is input first to the CEMC circuit 38. After beingexpanded, from the CEMC circuit 38 the compression processed image datais supplied to the buffer memory 37 via the data bus 42.

The speaker 5 is connected to the voice IC 36. The voice data read outby the memory card 24 is expanded by the voice IC 36. After beingconverted to analog voice signals, the voice data are output from thespeaker 5.

An operation switch 35 corresponds to the release switch 10, the powersource switch 11, the recording switch 12, and the continuous shootingmode changeover switch 13, as shown in FIGS. 1-3. When each switch isoperated, a corresponding signal is supplied to the CPU 34 and the CPU34 executes a corresponding predetermined process.

Next, operation of the electronic camera according to this embodiment isdescribed. First, a voice input/output process is described. As shown inFIG. 1, when the power source switch 11 is changed to “ON”, power issupplied to the electronic camera 1. When the (sound) recording switch12 is pressed, a sound recording process begins. The sound recordingprocess inputs and records performing voices or the like. In thismanner, the voice input via the mike 8 is converted to digital voicedata by the voice IC 36. After compression, the compressed data issupplied to the memory card 24 and recorded in the sound recordingregion of the memory card 24. At this time, data such as the recordingdate/time of the voice data is also recorded as compressed voice dataheader information in the sound recording region of the memory card 24.This operation can be repetitively executed when the sound recordingswitch 12 is pressed. Moreover, the Pulse Code Modulation (PCM) method,which is known to one of ordinary skill in the art, or another methodmay be used for voice compression.

Next, an operation for photographing the subject is described. First,the S mode for the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13 (singleframe photography) is described. As shown in FIG. 1, the power sourceswitch 11 on the surface Y1 is changed to “ON” and power is supplied tothe electronic camera 1. The subject is then confirmed in the finder 2.When the release switch 10 on the surface Y1 is pressed, the process ofphotographing the subject begins.

In the photography process, the light image of the subject observedthrough the finder 2 is gathered by the photographic lens 3 and resolvedonto the CCD 20. The light image of the subject formed on the CCD 20 isphotoelectrically converted to image signals on each pixel and sampledby the CDS circuit 31. After being gain controlled via the AGC circuit40, the image signals sampled by the CDS 31 are supplied to the A/Dconversion circuit 32. The digitized signals are then supplied to theDSP 33.

The DSP 33 supplies the digitized image data once to the buffer memory37, where it is stored. The CEMC circuit 38 uses the JPEG method tocompress image data read out from the buffer memory 37. The JPEG methodcombines cosine conversion scattering, quantizing and Huffman encodingas would be known to one of ordinary skill in the art. The CEMC circuit38 supplies compressed image data via the data bus 42 to the memory card24. The memory card 24 records the image data supplied from the CEMCcircuit 38 to the image recording region. At this time, the date/timedata of the photograph is recorded as the image data header informationin the image recording region of the memory card 24.

Thus, when the release switch 10 is pressed in the S mode of thecontinuous shooting mode changeover switch 13, photography of one frameonly is performed. Accordingly, even if the release switch 10 isdepressed continuously in the S mode, photography is performed for oneframe. Further, when the release switch 10 is continuously depressed fora prescribed time, the current image being photographed can be displayedon the LCD 6.

Next, the L mode for the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13(continuous photography of 8 frames per second) is explained. First, thepower source switch 11 is changed to “ON” to supply power to theelectronic camera 1. When the release switch 10 is pressed, the processof photographing the subject begins.

Light from the subject observed through the finder 2 is collected by thephotographic lens 3, and formed on the CCD. The light image of thesubject formed on the CCD 20 is photoelectrically converted to imagesignals in each pixel. The image signals are sampled at a rate of 8times per second by the CDS circuit 31. At this time, the CDS circuit 31can thin out or remove image electrical signals corresponding to ¾ ofthese pixels.

Remaining image signals (image signals of ¼ of the pixels of the CCD 20)sampled by the CDS circuit 31 are supplied to the A/D conversion circuit32. The digitized signals are output to the DSP 33.

The DSP 33 supplies the digitized image initially to the buffer memory37, where it is stored. The image data stored in the buffer memory 37 isread out and compressed using the JPEG method by the CEMC circuit 38.From the CEMC circuit 38, the compression processed image data issupplied to the memory card 24 via the data bus 42, and recorded to theimage record region. At this time, the date/time data of thephotographer are recorded as image data header information in the imagerecording region of the memory card 24.

Next, the H mode for the continuous shooting mode changeover switch 13(continuous shooting at 30 frames per second) is explained. First, thepower switch 11 is changed to “ON” to supply power to the electroniccamera 1. When the release switch 10 is depressed, the subjectphotography process is initiated.

Light from the subject observed through the finder 2 is collected by thephotographic lens 3, and resolved on the CCD 20. The light image of thesubject resolved on the CCD 20 is photoelectrically converted to imagesignals in each pixel of the CCD 20. The image signals are sampled bythe CDS circuit 31 at a rate of 30 times per second. At this time, theCDS 31 can thin out or remove image electrical signals corresponding to8/9 of all of the pixels of the CCD 20.

Remaining image signals (image signals of one-ninth of all of thepixels) of the CCD 20 are supplied to the A/D conversion circuit 32. Thedigitized signals are output to the DSP 33.

The DSP 33 supplies the digitized image data once to the buffer memory37, where it is recorded. The CEMC circuit 38 reads out the image datafrom the buffer memory 37 and performs JPEG compression. In this way,the digitized and compression processed image data is supplied to thememory card 24 via the data bus 42, and stored with the photographicdate/time header information in the image recording region of the memorycard 24.

Moreover, during photography of the subject, the light emitting part 4is controlled by the CPU 34 as necessary to illuminate the subject withlight.

Next, operation of the electronic camera 1 when pen-input information isinput using the touch tablet 6A (two-dimensional information) isdescribed. When the touch tablet 6A is contacted by the tip of the pen6B, data corresponding to the contacted X-Y coordinate location is inputto the CPU 34. Data corresponding to these X-Y coordinates is suppliedto the CPU 34 and stored. Further, information related to a size of thecontacting point can be recorded by the CPU 34 into a positioncorresponding to the X-Y coordinates in the buffer memory 37. Then, thesize of the contacting point is displayed by the CPU 34 at acorresponding position on the LCD 6.

As described above, the touch tablet 6A formed on the surface of the LCD6 is composed of a transparent material. Thus, the user can observe apoint displayed on the LCD 6 at the position where the touch tablet 6Awas pressed by the pen-tip of the pen 6B. In other words, the user candirectly observe the pen 6B input on the LCD 6. Further, when the pen 6Bis moved in contact with the touch tablet 6A, a line is displayed alongthe locus where the pen 6B moved on the LCD 6. Further, when thepen-type pointing device 6B moves continuously on the touch tablet 6A, adotted line is displayed in accompaniment with the movement of thepen-type pointing device 6B on the LCD 6. In this manner, the user caninput line-drawn information (described above) such as a desiredcharacter or figure.

In the event that an image is displayed on the LCD 6, when line-drawninformation (e.g., characters) is input by the pen 6B, the line-drawninformation and the image information is combined in the buffer memory37 and displayed simultaneously on the LCD 6.

Moreover, the user can operate a color select switch (not shown) toselect a color for the line drawing displayed on the LCD 6. The user canselect a color from a plurality of colors such as black, white, red, andblue.

After input of the line-drawn information by the touch tablet 6A and thepen 6B, the execute key 7B of the operating keys 7 can be pressed. Whenthe execute key 7B is pressed, the line-drawn information accumulated inthe memory and the input date/time header information is supplied to andrecorded in the image recording region of the memory card 24, via theCPU control bus 41.

The line-drawn information recorded in the memory card 24 can becompression processed. However, the line-drawn information input to thetouch tablet 6A includes information having a high spatial frequencycomponent and a total amount of information is comparatively small. Whenthe JPEG method is used for such image compression, the compressionefficiency is poor. Further, the JPEG compression method isnon-reversible compression. Thus, the JPEG method is not as appropriatefor compression of line-drawn information because the amount ofinformation is small. Accordingly, when the line-drawn information isexpanded and displayed on the LCD 6, gathering that accompanies the lossof information, as well as blurring and the like occurs because of theJPEG method.

Therefore, in this embodiment, line-drawn information is compressed by arun-length method. The run-length method is known to one of ordinaryskill in the art and can be used for facsimile devices and the like. Therun-length method is a method that compresses line-drawn information byscanning the line-drawn screen in the horizontal direction. Then, therun-length method encodes the continuing lengths of information (points)of each color, such as black, white, red, and blue, and the continuinglengths of non-information (sections with no pen input).

By employing the run-length method, line-drawn information can beefficiently compressed. Further, when the compressed line-drawinginformation is expanded, information loss can be suppressed.Alternatively, when the amount of line-drawn information iscomparatively small, the information can be stored without compression.

If the image is displayed on the LCD 6 when the pen 6B input isperformed, the image data and the pen 6B line-drawn information arecombined in the buffer memory 37, and the composite image of the imageand the line drawing is displayed on the LCD 6. However, in the memorycard 24, the image data is recorded in the image recording region, andthe line-drawn information is recorded in the line-drawn informationrecording region. In this way, the two types of information are recordedin different regions, respectively. As a result, the user is able todelete from the composite image either the image or the line drawing.Further, the respective types of image information can be compressed andrecorded by individual methods of compression.

If data is recorded the sound (hereafter voice) recording region, theimage recording region, or the line-drawn information recording regionof memory card 24, a “view display screen” displayed on the LCD 6 allowsselection of the recorded information. On the view display screen of theLCD 6 as shown in FIG. 5, a date when the information was recorded(recording date) is displayed in a recording date display region 53 atthe bottom of the LCD 6. The recording date reads “Aug. 25, 1995” inthis case. The recording time of the information recorded on thatrecording date is displayed in a recording time display region 54 at theextreme left side of the LCD 6.

To the right side of the recording time, when image data is recorded, athumbnail image is displayed in a thumbnail image display region 55. Thethumbnail image is a reduced image created by thinning out bitmap dataof the respective types of image data recorded in the memory card 24.Accordingly, the information displayed by the thumbnail image isinformation including image information. As shown in FIG. 5, informationrecorded (input) at the times “10:16” and “10:21” include imageinformation. The information recorded at the times “10:05”, “10:28”,“10:54”, and “10:10” do not include image information.

Further, a memo signal “*” indicates that the recorded informationincludes line-drawn information. The memo signal “*” is displayed in amemo symbol display region 57 on the LCD 6.

Adjacent to the right side of the thumbnail image display region 55,voice information bars 56 can be displayed. The displayed length on anexisting bar (line) corresponds to the time the voice was recorded. Ifvoice information was not recorded, the voice information bar is notdisplayed.

On a screen displayed on the LCD 6 as shown in FIG. 5, the userdesignates the information selected to be played back by pressing withthe pen tip of the pen 6B. The user presses the pen 6B within therectangular region where the desired information is displayed.Alternatively, playback of the selected information is designated bypressing the execute key 7B shown in FIG. 2 with the pen tip of the pen6B. As a result of either action, the selected information is output.

For example, in FIG. 5, when the pen 6B presses in recording timedisplay region 54 displaying 10:05, the CPU 34 commands the voice IC 36to play back the voice corresponding to the selected recording time,“10:05”.

The voice IC 36, reads out voice data from the memory card 24, executesthe expansion process, converts the voice data to analog signals andoutputs the voice recording from the speaker 5. If earphones (not shown)are connected to the earphone jack 9, voice is output from the earphonesand/or the speaker 5.

To play back the image data recorded in the memory card 24, the user canpress the desired thumbnail image with the pen 6B to select thatinformation. Next, by pressing the execute key 7B, the user initiatesplayback of the selected information.

The image data corresponding to the selected thumbnail image is read outfrom the memory card 24 and expanded in the CEMC circuit 38. Theexpanded image data is stored as bitmap data in the buffer memory 37 viathe data bus 42. Next, a control signal corresponding to the image datastored in the buffer memory 37 is supplied to the LCD 6 by the CPU 34 todisplay the corresponding image.

At this time, if voice data is also recorded (e.g., 10:16, 10:21), thevoice recording is concurrently output from the speaker 5.

If the memory is fully loaded in the voice IC 36 or in the memory card24, a corresponding sound effect can be predetermined. Also, when theoperation switch 35 or the touch tablet 6A is operated, the voice IC 36can output a predetermined sound effect. Further, when the releaseswitch 10 is pressed, (i.e., similar to a conventional camera employingfilm) the sound of the shutter snapping (hereafter the “shutter soundeffect”) can be made to occur electrically. By the shutter sound effect,the user confirms that the image recording has been performed.

Next, with respect to FIG. 6, a method of this embodiment to prevent theoutput of the shutter sound effect is described. When the recordingswitch 12 of the electronic camera 1 is operated for sound recording bythe mike 8 in the event that the electronic camera 1 is used as a taperecorder, the release switch 10 can be operated. The method shown inFIG. 6 can prevent output of the shutter sound effect during photographyof the photographic subject.

From the start of operations in FIG. 6, control advances to step S1. Instep S1, it is judged whether the operation switch 35 or the touchtablet 6A have been operated. When the judgment is that the operationswitch 35 or the touch tablet 6A have not been operated, control returnsto step S1. In this way, the process of step S1 is repetitivelyexecuted. However, when the judgment in step S1 is that the operationswitch 35 or the touch tablet 6A have been operated, control advances tostep S2. In step S2, it is judged whether the release switch 10 has beenpressed.

In step S2, when the judgment is that the release switch 10 has beenpressed, control advances to step S3. In step S3, it is judged whethervoice is currently being recorded. When the judgment is that voice iscurrently being recorded in step S3, control advances to step S4 wherethe shutter sound effect is silenced (not output). As shown in FIG. 7,in one case when the shutter sound effect is silenced, a light-emittingdiode 2B within an eyepiece 2A of the finder 2 is lit. In this case, anoptical finder can be used. By this occurrence, the operation recordingthat image to the memory card 24 can be visually confirmed by the user.

Alternatively, in the case of single lens reflex, a light-emitting diode53 on the outer side of a screen 52. As shown in FIG. 8, the screen 52displays the image of the subject within a finder 51. When the judgmentin step S3 is that voice recording is not in progress, control advancesto step S6. In step S6, the shutter sound effect is output via thespeaker 5 or the like. Thus, the user can aurally and visually confirminitiating the image photography operation.

From step S6 and step S4, control advances to step S5. The photographedimage is recorded to the memory card 24 in step S5. After that, controlreturns from step S5 to step S1 so that the process can be repetitivelyexecuted from step S1.

In step S2, when the judgment is that the release switch 10 has not beenoperated, control advances to step S7. In step S7, it is judged whethervoice is currently being recorded. When the judgment is that voice isbeing recorded, the output of the sound effect corresponding to theoperation (see step S1) is not performed. In this case, control advancesto step S9. When it is judged step S7 that voice is not being recorded,control advances to step S8 where the prescribed sound effectcorresponding to the operation is output. From step S8, control advancesto step S9. In step S9, the corresponding operation is executed. Fromstep S9, control returns to step S1 so that the process can berespectively executed.

As described above, when recording voice, the shutter sound effect orother sound effects output are interrupted. Thus, it is possible not torecord the shutter sound effect or the sound effects to the memory card24 with the voice.

As described above, the compression/expansion memory control circuit 38uses the JPEG method to compress the photographed image to be recordedin the memory card 24. In that case, this compression rate is variableand can be set by the user as shown in FIGS. 13 and 14. For example, thecompression of the photographed image can be set to 1/20th of the dataamount (i.e., a normal mode) or to 1/10th of the data amount (i.e., finemode).

The shutter sound effect output when the release switch 10 is operatedcan be changed to indicate the current compression rate set for theelectronic camera 1. For example, when the release switch 10 is operatedin the normal mode, a comparatively low frequency sound is output. Whenthe release switch 10 is operated in the fine mode, a comparatively highfrequency sound is output. Of course, the volume or tone of thecorresponding sound may be altered. As a result, the user can aurallyand visually confirm the release switch 10 operation and the currentcompression rate setting.

Further, when the release switch 10 operates during voice recording, theshutter sound effect is prevented. Instead, a light-emitting diode 61Awithin the finder 51 can emit light to illuminate a character such as“N”, (normal) to indicate the normal compression rate mode to the useras shown in FIG. 9. A light-emitting diode 61B can emit light toilluminate a character such as “F” (fine) for the fine compression ratemode. As a result, the user can visually confirm the release switch 10operation and the current compression rate setting.

Alternatively, the release switch 10 actuation can cause the display ofa word such as “release” on the LCD 6 as shown in FIG. 10. Again, theuser visually confirms the release switch 10 operation. Further, whenthe release switch is operated, a word (character), picture, or the likecorresponding to the current compression rate can be displayed with“release” on the LCD 6. As a result, the user visually confirms therelease button 10 operation, and the current compression rate.

Next, operations that set the compression rate and the shutter soundeffect (release sound) are explained with reference to FIGS. 11-17. Asshown in FIG. 11, the pen 6B selects the menu key 7A on the touch tablet6A to display a menu selecting screen. The selecting screen is displayedon the LCD 6. On an exemplary selection screen shown in FIG. 12,selected items such as “recording mode”, “playback mode”, “personalinformation mode”, “calendar display mode” and “setting mode” aredisplayed. When the pen 6B selects the “setting mode” selection item,settable items are displayed in an exemplary setting selection screen asshown in FIG. 13.

Among the settable items in FIG. 13, for example, a “compression rate”item can be selected. Selecting the compression rate item displays anexemplary compression rate setting screen shown in FIG. 14. Selecting“normal” in the compression rate setting screen with the pen 6B sets thecompression rate to the normal mode. Selecting “fine” with the pen 6Bsets the compression rate to the fine mode.

Selecting the item “sound effect” in the setting selection screen ofFIG. 13 with the pen 6B displays a sound effect screen. As shown in FIG.15, selecting the character A or B of the item “release sound playback‘A’, ‘B’, ‘R’” displays a prescribed sound effect A or the character B,respectively. With the character R, (described below) a voice recordedby the user can be displayed. Accordingly, selecting A, B or R sets thecorresponding sound effect to be output when the release switch 10 isoperated.

Further, when selecting the item “release record sound ‘REC’” in thesound effect screen with the pen 6B displays the message “Please pressrecording switch” on the LCD 6 as shown in FIG. 16. When the useroperates the recording switch 12, the message “Please input releasesound” is displayed as shown in FIG. 17. Next, the user inputs with themike 8 a recording to be the release sound. The voice input from themike 8 is compressed in the voice IC 36 and recorded in a prescribedregion in the memory installed in the voice IC 36 or the memory card 24.In this manner, the user can record a voice recording as the releasesound.

As a result, selecting “R” in the sound effect setting screen of FIG.15, allows the user to input and record the prescribed voice recording.The voice recording set as the release sound is subsequently output asthe release sound when the release switch 10 is operated.

As shown in FIG. 12, the electronic camera 1 includes modes such as thefollowing:

-   -   information input mode (recording mode);    -   information playback mode (playback mode);    -   personal information process mode;    -   calendar display mode; and    -   setting mode.

The “record mode”, is the mode recording in the memory card 24, forexample, the input of image information, voice information, textinformation, line-drawn information or the like. The “playback mode” isthe mode playing back information recorded in the memory card 24 such asimage information, voice information, text information, or line-drawninformation. The personal (individual) information mode is a mode forreviewing previously input personal information (for example, friends'telephone numbers and addresses and the like) or for inputting of newpersonal information. The calendar display mode is a mode creating apredetermined calendar display, and subsequently reviewing it. Withregard to the setting mode, as described above, it is a mode setting thecompression rate, setting the sound effect, setting the operation of thestrobe by changing the default value corresponding to the photographicenvironment of the electronic camera 1 and the like.

When the operation switch 35 or the touch tablet 6A is operated by theuser, a sound effect corresponding to the current mode of the electroniccamera can be output. For example, several types of sound effect datacan be pre-stored in the voice IC 36 or the memory card 24. When theoperation switch 35 or the touch tablet 6A are operated, the voice IC 36reads out from memory the sound effect corresponding to the current modeof the electronic camera 1 and outputs it from the speaker 5.

Further, the length, the frequency, the strength or the tone of thecorresponding sound effect in each mode can be changed. Further, variouscombinations of these may be changed. For example, if a 700 Hz “pi”sound is output for the “recording mode”, a 350 Hz “pu” sound (i.e., afrequency one octave lower) can be output in the “playback mode”.Further, in the case of the “personal information mode”, a 1400 Hz “pin”sound is output. For the “calendar display mode”, a 1400 Hz “kaan” soundis output, and for the “setting mode”, a 700 Hz “po” sound is output.

By automatically changing the sound effect output when the touch tablet6A or the operation switch 35 are operated, the user can identify eachmode. Further, camera operation mistakes are reduced because the usercan aurally identify the mode currently being used even when theelectronic camera 1 is operated in a dark location.

Further, the release sound (shutter sound effect) output when therelease switch 10 is operated can be based on the mode set by thecontinuous shooting mode changeover switch 13. For example, when thecontinuous shooting H mode is set and the release switch 10 isdepressed, a release sound of a comparatively high frequency is output.When the continuous shooting L mode is set, a release sound of acomparatively low frequency is output. Further, when the continuousshooting S mode is set, a release sound of an even lower frequency isoutput. As a result, the user operating the release switch 10 canaurally identify the continuous shooting mode that is currently set.

FIG. 18 is a diagram of another embodiment of an electronic camera ofthe present invention. In this embodiment, between the voice IC 36 andthe speaker 5, a low pass/high pass filter 71 is provided. Remainingfeatures of the composition and operation are similar to the embodimentof FIG. 4. Thus, a detailed, explanation of those features is omittedhere.

The low pass/high filter 71 can be operated to interrupt the signal of apredetermined high frequency signal and a predetermined low frequencysignal from the voice signal output from the voice IC 36. For example, asound effect having a frequency that is 30 Hz lower or 10 kHz higherthan common voice frequency can be interrupted by the filter 71. The lowpass/high pass filter 71 using a signal interrupting function with afrequency equal to or below 30 Hz and a frequency equal to or higherthan 10 kHz can interrupt such sound effects output from the voice IC36. As a result, the sound effect signals are blocked and only voicesignals will be output from the speaker 5.

FIG. 19 is a diagram of the electrical composition of yet anotherembodiment of the present invention. In this embodiment, additioncalculators 81, 82, inverter 83, and oscillator 84 have been provided.

The addition calculator 81 inputs the voice signal output by the voiceIC 36 and the signal corresponding to a prerecorded sound effect outputfrom the oscillator 84. The addition calculator 81 then supplies anadded signal to the speaker 5. The addition calculator 82 adds the voiceand sound effect input from the microphone 8 with the signal suppliedfrom the inverter 83, and supplies it to the voice IC 36. The oscillator84, which is controlled by the CPU 34, produces a sound effect of aprescribed frequency.

For example, when the touch tablet 6A or the operation switch 35 areoperated, a corresponding sound effect of a prescribed frequency isoutput from the oscillator 84. A signal corresponding to a prescribedsound effect output from the oscillator 84 is supplied to the additioncalculator 81 and the inverter 83. The addition calculator 81 suppliesthe signal, to the speaker 5, and the prescribed sound effect is outputfrom the speaker 5.

The signal corresponding to the prescribed sound effect is supplied tothe inverter 83, where its phase is reversed and supplied to the addingcalculator 82. The sound effect output from the peripheral voice throughthe speaker 5 is input to the microphone 8. Also, the input soundeffect, and the signal input from the inverter 83 (with the reversephase of the sound effect phase), are added. This lowers the soundeffect signal level. In other words, the sound effect level included inthe signal supplied to the voice IC 36 from the adding calculator 82 islowered. As a result, recording the sound effect can be limited orprevented in the memory card 24.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 4, the voice data corresponding to thevoice input from the mike 8 (sound effect is also included when soundeffect is output from the speaker 5) is recorded with a record starttime T_(S) to the memory card 24. When the operation switch 35 or thetouch tablet 6A are operated during voice recording, the voice IC 36produces the prescribed sound effect and a time of the sound effectT_(K) is recorded in the memory card 24 or the like. From these timesT_(S) and T_(K), an absolute time is produced by the clock circuitprovided in the CPU 34.

Also, when the voice data recorded in the memory card 24 is played backby the voice IC 36, the time T_(S) and the time T_(K) are read out bythe CPU 34. Then, the time L corresponding to this difference(T_(K)−T_(S)) is determined. When the time L only has been surpassedfrom the voice playback, the CPU 34 first produces reverse phasewave-formed data from the sound effect produced by the voice IC 36.After the voice data has been superimposed, it is output from thespeaker 5. Accordingly, the sound effect signal level in the voiceplayback can be lowered.

In this case, the time the sound effect was produced by the voice IC 36,the time it is output from the speaker 5, and the time it was input tothe microphone 8 are assumed to be simultaneous for simplicity ofdescription. If a time lag exists, the timing can be collected by theCPU 34 from the reverse phase wave-formed data. As a result, the soundeffect level included in the voice played back and output from thespeaker 5 can be lowered.

Further, a sound effect having a frequency outside a frequency rangecapable of recording or playback can be selected. For example, when avoice signal of a frequency equal to or above 10 kHz is not suppliedfrom the IC 36 to the memory card 24, the frequency of the sound effectcan be selected to be equal to or higher than 10 kHz. Further, when avoice signal of a frequency equal to or below 30′ Hz is not suppliedfrom the IC 36 to the memory card 24, the frequency of the sound effectcan be selected to be equal to or lower than 30 Hz. As a result,recording the sound effect to the memory card 24 can be prevented.

In the above embodiments, the finder 2 is an optical object, but acrystal finder using crystal may also be used. Further, a light-emittingdiode is provided in the finder. When the light-emitting diode is lit,for example, information such as the release switch operation isvisually made known to the user. However, the embodiments are notlimited to this. A crystal may be provided within the finder to make theprescribed information known to the user.

Further, the above-described embodiments use only one microphone.However, it is possible to provide two microphones, to the left andright, so that voice can also be recorded in stereo.

The above embodiments can also use earphone detection devices to detectthat earphones are connected to the earphone jack 9. In the eventearphones are connected, even during voice recording, the sound effectcan be output from the earphones. The sound effect broadcast by theearphones does not reach the mike 8 and is not recorded. Beneficiallythe user can still confirm the sound effect by earphones.

The above embodiments use a pen-type pointing device to input each typeof information. However, touch by a finger or the like can also be used.

Furthermore, the invention is not limited to the display screendisplayed on the LCD 6. Various screen layouts can be used. Similarly,the invention is not limited to the type or layout of the operatingkeys.

While this invention has been described in conjunction with the specificembodiments outlined above, it is evident that many alternatives,modifications and variations will be apparent to those skilled in theart. Accordingly, the preferred embodiments of the invention as setforth above are intended to be illustrative, not limiting. Variouschanges may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined in the following claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information input apparatus, comprising: animaging device that captures an object image and forms digital images ofa subject; a sound recording device that records sounds in a state ofrecording mode; a storage medium that stores at least one of the digitalimages formed by the imaging device and the sounds input by the soundrecording device; a release switch that initiates a process of capturingthe object image by said imaging device when a user operates the releaseswitch; a sound effect output device that outputs a presetnon-mechanical sound effect that signifies initiating the capturingprocess by said imaging device when the release switch is operated; acontrol device that connects to the sound recording device, the storagemedium and the sound effect output device; and a judging device thatjudges whether the apparatus is in the recording mode; wherein while inthe recording mode, the control device controls the sound effect outputdevice to prevent outputting of the preset non-mechanical sound effectwhen the user operates the release switch to initiate the capturingprocess.
 2. The information input apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising: a viewfinder through which the subject can be observed; andan information output device that outputs visual information within theviewfinder, wherein the process also stores the at least one image inthe storage medium, wherein the control device further controls theinformation output device to output a visual release switch indicationwhen the release switch is operated.
 3. The information input apparatusof claim 1, wherein the preset non-mechanical sound effect is a shuttersound effect, wherein the storage medium stores a plurality of types ofthe shutter sound effect, and wherein the sound effect output deviceoutputs one of the plurality of types of shutter sound effect when therelease switch is operated.
 4. The information input apparatus of claim1, wherein the storage medium stores the digital images and the soundstogether.
 5. The information input apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising a setting device that sets a photographic environment,wherein when the release switch is operated the sound effect outputdevice further outputs sound effects based on the photographicenvironment set by the setting device.
 6. The information inputapparatus of claim 5, wherein the setting device is a compression devicethat compresses the images formed by the imaging device at a selectedone of a plurality of compression rates.
 7. The information inputapparatus of claim 6, wherein a frequency of the sound effects output bythe sound effect output device is changed based on the selectedcompression rate.
 8. The information input apparatus of claim 6, whereinthe setting device further sets an information input apparatus operatingmode, wherein the sound effect output device outputs the sound effectsbased on the operation mode set by the setting device.
 9. Theinformation input apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a changingdevice that changes the sound effects corresponding to the operationmode.
 10. The information input apparatus of claim 1, wherein a soundplayback device silences all or part of the preset non-mechanical soundeffect when the preset non-mechanical sound effect is included in thesound stored by the storage medium.
 11. The information input apparatusof claim 10, further comprising a selection device that selects whetherto remove the preset non-mechanical sound effect included in the soundsoutput by the sound playback device, wherein a sound removing devicesilences all or part of the preset non-mechanical sound effect whenremoving the sound effect is selected by the selection device.
 12. Theinformation input apparatus of claim 10 further comprising a deletingdevice that deletes all or part of the preset non-mechanical soundeffect from the sounds output by the sound playback device when thepreset non-mechanical sound effect was included in the sounds that thesound recording device records.
 13. The information input apparatus ofclaim 1, wherein the information input apparatus includes the soundplayback device that outputs the sounds stored in the storage medium,and wherein the sound effect output device is controlled by the controldevice to selectively output a preset sound effect having a frequencyincapable of being recorded by the sound recording device, incapable ofbeing stored by the storage medium, or incapable of being played back bythe sound playback device.
 14. The information input apparatus of claim1, further comprising a display that displays the digital images formedby the imaging device and the digital images stored by the storagemedium.
 15. The information input apparatus of claim 1, furthercomprising an illumination device that illuminates the subject withlight.
 16. A method of controlling an information input apparatus,comprising: capturing an object image and forming digital images of asubject using an imaging device; judging whether the apparatus is in arecording mode; performing sound recording of sounds occurring near theinformation input apparatus using a sound recording device in a state ofrecording mode; storing the digital images formed by the imaging deviceand the sounds recorded by the sound recording device in a storagemedium; operating a release switch to initiate a process of capturingthe object image by said imaging device when a user operates thereleasing switch; outputting a non-mechanical sound effect thatsignifies initiating the capturing process by said imaging device whenthe image forming process is initiated; and controlling recording,storing and outputting of the non-mechanical sound effect; wherein whilein the recording mode, preventing outputting the non-mechanical soundeffect when the user operates the release switch to initiate thecapturing process.
 17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:observing the subject through a viewfinder; and outputting visualinformation within the viewfinder, wherein the process also is an imagerecording process that stores the images formed by the imaging device inthe storage medium, wherein the visual information is a release switchoperation indication when the release switch is operated.
 18. The methodof claim 16, further comprising setting the photographic environmentwith a setting device, wherein the sound effect outputting step outputsthe non-mechanical sound effect based on the photographic environmentset by the setting device.
 19. The method of claim 18, wherein thesetting step sets an information input apparatus operating mode and theoutputting step outputs the non-mechanical sound effect based on theoperation mode set by the setting device.
 20. The method of claim 16,further comprising: playing back the sounds stored in the storage mediumwith a speaker; and silencing the non-mechanical sound effect when thesound effect is included in the sounds recorded by the sound recordingdevice.
 21. The method of claim 20, wherein the silencing step comprisesdeleting the non-mechanical sound effect from the sounds when thenon-mechanical sound effect is included in the sounds recorded by thesound recording device.
 22. The method of claim 16, further comprisingplaying back the sounds stored in the storage medium with a speaker,wherein the sound outputting step with the sounds input by the soundrecording means, includes selecting and outputting a sound effect usinga frequency outside a frequency range of the sound recording device, thestorage medium or the speaker.
 23. The information input apparatus ofclaim 1, where the preset non-mechanical sound effect is customizable.24. The method of claim 16, further comprising customizing the presetnon-mechanical sound effect.